The IndieTrainer system: a small-scale trial exploring a new approach to support powered mobility skill acquisition in children

Abstract

The IndieTrainer system, consisting of a mobility device and video-based gamified training modules, was developed to assist children in attaining power wheelchair (PWC) skills. The purposes of this small-scale trial were to explore the use of the IndieTrainer system to provide PWC skills training and document parental satisfaction with the IndieTrainer system. We hypothesized that PWC skills training provided using the IndieTrainer system would result in improvements in both children’s understanding of how to use a PWC and their PWC skill execution, and that parental satisfaction would be high. An open-label, single-arm trial was conduct as follows: (a) Baseline testing (T0); (b) A 3-week intervention consisting of two, 60-min-PWC skills training sessions per week; (c) Post-intervention testing (T1); and (d) A single session retention trial held 4 weeks after completion of the intervention (T2). Outcome measures included the Assessment of Learning Powered mobility use (ALP), Wheelchair Skills Checklist (WSC), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8). 25 child/parent dyads participated. Between T0 and T1, statistically significant differences (p-value <.0001) with large effect sizes in mean ALP and WSC scores (ALP: d = 3.14; WSC: d = 3.25) and COPM performance and satisfaction scores (Performance: d = 4.66; Satisfaction: d = 3.24) were achieved. Mean T1 total CSQ-8 score was 31.52/32. At T2, all children maintained or improved their T1 ALP and WSC scores. This study provides initial support for the usability and feasibility of the IndieTrainer system. Futhermore, larger scaled studies using more rigorous research designs are indicated.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• The IndieTrainer system allows clinicians to tailor power wheelchair skills (PWC) skills training based on an individual child’s specific goals and level of understanding.

• Selectively combining the use of progressive video-based gamified modules and real-world power mobility experiences may support children who are learning PWC skills.

• When provided with progressive PWC skills training, children with severe disabilities may improve their understanding of how to use a PWC and their PWC skills.

Keywords:

• Power mobility
• power mobility interventions
• pediatrics
• power wheelchair
• gamified power mobility training

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development under Grant number NIH-R44HD103522. The funder did not have any role in data collection, data interpretation, or preparation of scientific manuscripts or presentations.